Two Minutes with Bruno Pigott, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)
How long have you been the Commissioner of IDEM? What’s your best experience thus far?
One and a half years. I have worked at IDEM for 18 years. My past duties include Chief of Staff, Assistant Commissioner in the Office of Water Quality, Permits Branch Chief in the Office of Water Quality, Compliance Branch Chief in the Office of Water Quality, and initially as the Section Chief of the Indiana State Revolving Loan Fund.
My best experience has been working with members of our agency, Indiana’s Governor, U.S. EPA, the City of East Chicago, federal and state elected officials, the Indiana Department of Health, and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to help residents and clean up contamination at a Superfund site in East Chicago.
How has being a member of ECOS benefitted you?
ECOS has provided me with an opportunity to connect with my colleagues from around the country to discuss best practices, learn about new federal and state initiatives, access federal environmental policy makers, and establish personal relationships.
What is the best management advice you’ve received?
You cannot run an agency alone. Agency staff are integral to your success as an agency director. Listen, provide clear guidance, allow them to explore creative solutions, and employees will be productive, innovative, and happy.
Tell us about your morning ritual.
I wake up, make coffee, start making oatmeal, feed the dogs, eat, shower, dress, and head off to work.
What was your childhood dream job?
When I was in seventh grade, my father and I were playing catch in the backyard. As he lobbed the ball to me, Dad asked what I wanted to do when I grew up. I was shocked that he didn’t already know that I had plans to be the starting right fielder for the Detroit Tigers. When I told him, he gently told me that it might be a good idea to have a backup plan, just in case things didn’t work out. Unfortunately, the Tigers never saw in me the baseball skills I imagined I had.
What leader do you most admire?
In the State of Indiana, it is Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. He listens. He weighs his thoughts before he speaks. The Governor rarely speaks rhetorically. He maintains focus on helping Indiana citizens and is willing to consider any good idea, no matter where it originates. Internationally, it is Nelson Mandela.
What was your first real job?
The first job at which I collected a paycheck at a restaurant as a dishwasher and busboy when I was 14.
What can you not live without?
Coffee
If Hollywood made a movie of your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?
Bill Murray
